Last fall, I posted a SCN online course called “Writing About Your Mom without Guilt,” an offshoot from a workshop I conducted at the last SCN conference in Texas. Within days, I reached my maximum number of eight students. Len Leatherwood, online course coordinator, said, “Who knew there were so many women wanting to write […]
Welcome to Telling HerStories. This blog is written by women writers and teachers who want to share their passion for women’s stories. Our topics include the art, craft, and publication of women’s memoir, fiction, biography, poetry, drama, and more.
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Telling HerStories
Endings as Prologue to New Beginnings
I could see my husband was depressed. I didn’t realize I was the source of his unhappiness. We were adjusting to the empty-nest phase of life as our recently-married daughters were increasing the family at a rate of six babies in five years. Hoping counseling would help, I faithfully met my husband at the counselor’s […]
Would I, Could I, Should I Write a Memoir?
“We’ve encountered three s’s that waylay writers on the way to writing their truths: secrets, silence and shame.” Linda Joy Myers, PhD and Brooke Warner, from their book, The Magic of Memoir This month of March 2021 I am teaching a memoir writing course on Zoom for SCN, ‘Would I, Could I, Should I Write […]
Severe Behavior Problems
During a Book Event via Zoom for my novel-in-stories, Floating in the Neversink, one of the attendees asked me to recall the worst thing that happened professionally. What could I answer? Should I mention the rejection letter I received from a writing contest addressed to Miss Wilson, wondering if the real Miss Wilson received my […]
My Life As Pentimento
For many of us, writing is a journey of self-discovery, full of delights and surprises. I never set out to write a memoir. I had no plan or outline, no clear beginning and an unknown conclusion. It just became one along the way. Eight years ago, I had just discovered that my daughter was a […]
The Better Story: Why I Prefer Fiction
Editor’s Note: Stories and their authors can be our teachers. They help us enhance our perceptions and sharpen our writing skills. Like many women writers, I was influenced at a young age by one specific book. It wasn’t Little Women, the inspiration for many young girls who identified with the creative, spirited Jo. My pivotal […]